Impact of Lifestyle Management on COVID-19

2.1. Key Players of the Immune System

Frontline active players in our immune system are the white blood cells, also called leukocytes. Leukocytes are activated innate immune cells, which circulate throughout the body and search for intruders. When a foreign substance is detected, they stimulate the sequence of responses to combat the invader [ 9, 10]. Leukocytes can be converted to phagocytes (macrophages) and lymphocytes. Phagocytes engulf the foreign infectious agent and break them down, resulting in the generation of the Cytokines and symptoms of inflammation, like fever and pain [10]. On the other hand, lymphocytes are of two types, B lymphocytes (or B-cells) and T lymphocytes (or T-cells). Out of these, the B-cells create antibodies to shatter the pathogens, whereas the T-cells are further of two types, CD4 (Cluster of differentiation 4), and CD8 (Cluster of differentiation 8). The CD4 and B-cell lead to resistance against infections, while the CD8 cells can produce a cytotoxic effect on invader cells [11, 12].

3.1. Food Habits

Immunity is directly associated with the nutrition of food and sufficient hydration in people of all age groups [12]. Adequate energy supply is needed by immune system cells to respond to infection effectively. During the periods of infection, the ‘activated’ immune system requires a further supply of energy, with higher basal energy expenditure during fever [13]. A protein-rich diet is required to generate quality immune proteins such as cytokines and immunoglobulins [14]. In contrast, a carbohydrate-rich diet should be avoided specifically in diabetic patients. A high sugar diet is also associated with an increase in complications and severity of COVID-19 infection [15].

Especially in cases of heavy viral load, Vitamin C plays a significant role in dealing with high oxidative stress [16, 17]. Additionally, vitamin E is an inhibitor of protein kinase C activity [18]. Some minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium need to be consumed in adequate amounts for nucleic acid synthesis for immune cells, while vitamin C and vitamin E owing to their antioxidant effects, protect the tissues from damage by viral infection [19]. Vitamin D-rich food is also essential for protective action on the respiratory system [20].

It is a common observation that people take medicines, mainly dietary supplements, on their own without consulting the doctors. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have started gulping many supplements to boost their immunity. Some of the supplements may improve general health if taken in the proper amount, but others may be harmful or ineffective. For example, studies have reported that a daily dose of more than one gram of calcium can increase the risk of death from cancer [ 21 ]. It has also been shown that adequate amounts of vitamins A, vitamin K, zinc, and magnesium may lower the risk of death, provided those nutrients are acquired from food and not from supplements. Similarly, Vitamin D supplements can harm kidneys, if taken frequently in large quantities. A blood level of vitamin D higher than 100 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) can stimulate extra calcium absorption, causing mood disorders, muscle pain, abdominal pain, kidney stones, heart attack, and stroke. Protein is also one of the important nutrients, which uplift the general health and thereby the immunity. However, over-consumption of protein for a prolonged period must be avoided, as it may increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys and liver, simultaneously potentiating the risk of cancer and heart diseases [22].

Consumption of a nutrient-poor diet, especially deficient in protein, leads to malnutrition, eventually leading to a state of poor immunity and may result in a higher risk of getting the COVID-19 infection [ 21 ]. People who take a balanced and healthy diet have stronger immunity as compared to people who consume junk and frozen food [22]. Furthermore, over-eating and unhealthy diets containing high fats and carbohydrates may be associated with fat-deposition. This results in the generation of constant systemic inflammation of low grade due to discordance of the immune system, thereby increasing the severity of COVID-19 infection [23].

3.2. Obesity

Subjects with severe obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 40 kg/m²) are at a higher risk for COVID-19 infection as well as its complications [24]. As discussed earlier, having a correct nutritional balance is crucial, especially amidst the pandemic when the immune system should be ready to fight and combat the infection at any time. Overeating habits and craving for a high sugar diet may threaten the health of people. There are many incidences suggesting that the generation of cytokinesis is higher in extended adipose tissues with high content of lipid, leading to elevation of unwanted inflammation [25]. Obese people have decreased expiratory reserve volume, respiratory system compliance, and functional capacity and hence it becomes difficult for them to survive the COVID-19 infection. In severe cases of coronavirus infection, ventilation would be more difficult in the obese subject, even in the supine position as their pulmonary function is compromised by decreased diaphragmatic excursion [26]. The inflammatory state characteristics of obesity could further exacerbate the inflammation in patients with COVID-19, thus exposing them to a higher concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, making them prone to the threat of a ‘Cytokine storm’ [27-29].

3.3. Physical Activity

Physical exercises reduce anxiety, decrease the risk of depression improve the quality of sleep, and give a sense of psychological wellbeing [30]. The immune system is also improved by moderate exercise and physical activity. A daily physical exercise of less than 60 minutes activates anti-pathogen effects of tissue macrophages and enhances recirculation of neutrophils, cytotoxic T cells, immunoglobulins, NK cells, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and CD8+ T lymphocytes which synonymously boost the immunity. Acute improvement in the level of Interleukin (IL-6) levels also occurs with moderate exercise, which in turn produces direct anti-inflammatory effects and eventually elevates the metabolism of glucose and lipid. Regular physical activity may also correct co-morbid complications that will minimize the risk of severity of COVID-19 [31, 32]. Reports have suggested that people undertaking inadequate physical activity are more prone to COVID-19 infection as compared to physically active people and the chances of their hospitalization and severe complications are also more. Physical inactivity is also a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes which has led to death during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide [33]. However, prolonged vigorous exercise for a long duration may result in metabolic, psychological, and physiological stress leading to immune dysfunction. Hence, such vigorous exercises should not be suggested for people at high-risk or with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. It can also increase the oxidative stress on the lungs and heart and hence it is recommended to avoid such exercises in the patients who recently recovered from corona and had moderate to severe symptoms while infected [34].

3.4. Use of Tobacco and Drug Abuse

In addition to several injurious effects of smoking on different organ systems of the human body, smoking is also likely to induce severe coronavirus disease [35]. Confirmed COVID-19 cases who smoked tobacco are more likely to suffer from moderate to severe symptoms as compared to non-smokers [36]. Tobacco smoking also leads to poor prognosis and mortality in infected individuals. According to available medical information, exposure to tobacco and other addictive substances (like methamphetamine, opioids, and cannabis) promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cells that causes high damage to the body, particularly the lungs [37]. Such individuals are at a higher risk of developing Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as compared to non-addictive people [38]. There is a great elevation in the chances of catching the infection from bacteria like Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Neisseria meningitidis, particularly affecting the lungs, in adult smokers and this explains the reason behind the huge occurrence of secondary bacterial infections in smokers who get infected with COVID-19 [39]. Research findings have clearly indicated 14 times higher incidences of severe pneumonia as well as stage III COVID-19 infection and eventually death in smoking-habituated people as compared to those with no smoking habits [40].

The immune function of the nasal cavity decreases on habitual tobacco inhalation by compromising the mucociliary clearance of foreign bodies. The expression of genes for the immune system is also altered in smokers and drug addicts, including genes involved in inflammation [41]. Studies have suggested a positive correlation between quitting tobacco and improved clinical outcome during COVID infection, especially with co-morbid conditions (like Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular diseases), which in turn results in a better prognosis [42].

Similarly, over-consumption of alcohol has also been shown to reduce immunity, cause poor prognosis during COVID-19 management and increase the risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and other complications [43, 44].

3.5. Sleep

Sleep is an essential physiological process and taking enough sleep of at least 7 hours per day is desirable to maintain good immunity, especially against infections of viral origin [45]. Alteration in sleep cycle or lack of sleep particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep alters the components of the immune system, such as the percentage of the immune cell sub-populations like CD4+, CD8+, and NK (Natural killer) cells and cytokine levels like IFNγ (Interferon-γ), TNFα (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α), and IL-1(Interleukin-1)), which in turn increases the risk of contracting COVID-19 and also delays the recovery from it [46, 47]. Findings have suggested that in COVID-19 infected patients, sleep deprivations may result in elevation of CXCL9 (Chemokine C-X-C motifligand 9) levels which is a chemotactic factor that selectively causes lymphocytic infiltration and activation of pro-inflammatory NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome. Hence, sleep deprivation may be responsible for increasing the severity of infection due to the enhancement of the progression of inflammatory processes [48].

Deep and adequate sleep is also reported to increase the level of melatonin, a hormone that improves sleep quality and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Adequate sleep can reduce coronavirus virulence by reducing the inflammatory response and thus offer protection to the lungs from oxidative damage [49, 50].

3.6. Stress

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are facing challenges not just due to COVID-related health issues, but also due to other factors like fear of infection, emotional disturbances, social isolation, and financial insecurities. The prevailing conditions are stressful as people are enforced to follow the strict regulations for the prevention of the spread of viral infection and simultaneously they are also managing their life to meet daily financial requirements. Such stress can be harmful to the body in many ways [51]. It can decrease the body’s ability to react to different diseases [52]. Chronic stress may result in many lifelong stress-induced diseases such as insomnia, gastric ulcer, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Stress can also reduce immunity and induce the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that are associated with disrupted immune regulation and elevation in proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) levels [53]. Prolonged mental stress can also amplify the levels of histamine further worsening acute respiratory distress syndrome and increasing the severity of COVID-19 infection [54, 55].

According to a study aimed at psychological evaluation of COVID-19 infected patients admitted in isolation wards, about 48% of patients demonstrated psychological stress. This elevated stress thereby led to a slow recovery or increased severity of the infection [56].

Additionally, it was recorded that the long duration of hospital stays and the isolation fear increased the psychological stress in patients to such an extent that it manifested into anxiety disorders and eventually exacerbated panic attacks, specifically in the case of patients with a history of pre-existing psychological disorders [15]. In such cases, the patient compliance in the management of COVID-19 gets compromised, thereby affecting the outcome of treatment. Therefore, stress management strategies are highly recommended for individuals, suspected, and confirmed cases, families, and health professionals, in the pandemic situation. Regular and mild aerobic exercises, meditation, yoga, guided imagery, and breathing and relaxation techniques can help in reducing stress and also in maintaining sleep quality thereby boosting immunity and confidence. Managing a healthy lifestyle, positive psychology, strengthening social connections, and healthy relationships with loved ones are the main pillars in the strategy of stress management during this pandemic area [56].

3.7. Self-hygiene

According to health professionals, the best and simplest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose with a mask while coughing and sneezing as well as avoiding frequent touching of the face [57]. Face touching can allow germs to enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth therefore it becomes mandatory to avoid it. The mouth and nose should be covered with an elbow while sneezing or coughing and tissue paper should be disposed of immediately off [58]. Every individual should cover their mouth and nose with a mask while going outside or in public. Reusable masks must be washed daily with soap or detergent and disposable masks should be cut into two parts before disposing of them to avoid reuse [59].

Home cleanliness is equally important to avoid the spread of the pandemic. Hence, care must be taken to make the living spaces free from viruses. Highly used surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently. Before using the disinfection products, the specifications of the product should be read properly as some disinfectants need to have sufficient contact time with germs and viruses to kill them. As per the medical guidelines, the COVID-19 virus can also survive on fabric as well as on plastic and metal elements and it may live for longer times from hours to a few days. Moreover, other good-hygiene practices like removing shoes, changing the clothes, and proper sanitization before entering the home are prerequisites to prevent the entry of viruses at home [60].

3.8. Phytomedicines

During the last few years, the inclination of people toward using phytonutrients and phytomedicines has increased to improve immune health and also alleviate the symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Various herbal extracts and formulations including traditional medicines are also being used for the prevention and complementary treatment of viral diseases, including COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections. Various traditional herbs, especially Tinospora, Ashwagandha, Curcuma, Ocimum, are either consumed in raw form or modified into decoctions for immunomodulator effects. Although complete clinical data is yet lacking to confirm the efficacy of these herbal preparations, phytochemicals have shown promising results based on their mode of action. Phytochemicals that have been acknowledged as effective immunity boosters include polyphenols, especially flavonoids. Flavonoids like kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin represent a class of phytochemicals that are acknowledged to possess antiviral activities in various in silico studies [61, 62].

As phytochemicals have demonstrated potential therapeutic effects against viral infections, including COVID-19, they can be regarded as a good source of alternative and cheaper medicines. They may also be incorporated into the lifestyle as health supplements or as an adjuvant for boosting general immunity as well as for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 infection. However, some important limitations in the use of phytomedicines include the lack of quality parameters and insufficient evidence of the protective and therapeutic effects in humans along with a lack of bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies of these phytomedicines [62].

3.9. Vaccination

It is proven that in case of any pandemic, including a coronavirus outbreak, vaccination is the most promising remedy that works on the concept of strengthening immunity. On exposure to the first dose of the vaccine, our body starts to produce antibodies against COVID-19 that in turn enables the immune system to fight the virus whenever it enters the body encounters, thereby reducing the chances of getting infected by the disease [63].

Herd immunity is generated by vaccination of a maximum number of people that minimizes the chances of infection as well as the spread of the virus. Apart from self-safety practices, vaccinated people also reduce the transmission of the virus thus helping society as well as countries in such pandemic situations. In addition, a new study has suggested that if an expectant mother has taken the vaccine, the produced antibody can cross the placenta and can enter the unborn baby providing it the passive immunity. Vaccinated-feeding mothers can also protect their babies by breastfeeding as breast milk carries the antibodies against COVID-19 [64].

However, as per the reports of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines remain effective in protecting most people from COVID-19 infection and its complications but the vaccine may not be 100% effective. Thus, vaccine breakthrough infections may occur when a fully vaccinated person gets infected with COVID-19 and the people with vaccine breakthrough infections may spread COVID-19 to others. In the case of immunocompromised people, adequate levels of protection are not achieved even after the administration of the two-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, CDC advises that people should continue taking all the precautions recommended for unvaccinated people and also receive an additional booster dose of the vaccine [65]. The vaccines used for immunization against COVID-19 infection are enlisted in Table 1. Out of all the vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin are more prevalent in India [66].

Looking to the safety concern, it would be far more useful if people strive to develop strong immunity on daily basis by following a healthy lifestyle.